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Condoms are the world's best known form of contraception, but only about 5 percent of couples use them, and those that do often encounter unpleasant surprises later. There are 15 common mistakes condom users make that reduce pleasure and effectiveness.
This next rule may seem obvious to all but men who have an unusually short member.
3. Condoms have to be completely unrolled before they are put on.
Your first thought may be, "How does that even work?" but a surprising number of men, researchers have found, don't bother to stretch out the condom before they put it on. This leaves a large area of plastic or latex that can pull the condom loose or spill its contents.
4. It's essential to leave room at the tip of the condom.
Otherwise semen may leak from the base of the condom, making its use for contraception less effective.
5. However, the tip of the condom should not be filled with air.
Many men, survey data indicate, don't squeeze air out of the tip of the condom before they put it on. This forces ejaculate down the sides of the condom.
6. Condoms should never be worn inside out.
Once a condom is put on, it should not be taken off until intercourse is completed. Beginning use of the condom, then taking it off and turning it inside out exposes the partner to pre-ejaculatory fluids and may result in intercourse or infection.
7. Always make a quick inspection for damage.
Very few users of condoms will inspect a condom for tears or weak points before it is used, but the condom must not be torn or showing signs of previous use, the condom should not be taken from a batch that has passed its expiration date, and it's important to look for visible imperfections while unrolling it.
8. "Hat" or "cap" condoms are impractical.
These mini-condoms are extremely easy to put on, but they also easily fall off, and have to be retrieved. In addition to the problems of retrieval, they fail to protect the shaft of the penis from transmitting or receiving infection (such as herpes or syphilis, in particular) and may not hold semen completely.
9. Sharp objects have to be kept away from condoms.
If something is sharp enough to open the package, it's sharp enough to tear the condom.
10. Condoms need to be lubricated.
Why is lubrication essential for condoms? The longer a condom is used, the more likely it is to break if it is not lubricated. Couples who have sexual stamina need lubricated condoms.
11. Oil-based lubricants and latex condoms don't mix.
Wetter feels better, but oil-based lube or a sex wax can weaken latex condoms. Water-based lubricants are the least likely to cause condom failure, but they may not last through a long lovemaking session. Silicon-based lubricants last longer, but if they contain parabens, they can trigger allergic inflammation in places you really don't want to have to scratch. "Organic" products are typically safer, as long as their primary ingredient is not oil or lanolin.
12. Just a little bit of lube is enough.
A nickel-sized (3 or 4 mm wide) dab of lubricant is enough for both partners. Too much lubrication can cause condom failure, and even make staying inside difficult.
13. Don't let it linger after intercourse.
After ejaculation, both penis and condom have to be removed promptly to avoid leakage.
14. Condoms are not intended for multiple uses.
Besides being icky and gross, reused condoms can transfer semen in their second use.
15. Men should never store condoms in their wallets or in the car.
The conditions in both wallets and glove compartments degrade latex so condoms are more likely to fail. Condoms should be stored in a cool, dry place until they are needed.
- Giannou FK, Tsiara CG, Nikolopoulos GK, Talias M, Benetou V, Kantzanou M, Bonovas S, Hatzakis A. Condom effectiveness in reducing heterosexual HIV transmission: a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on HIV serodiscordant couples. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res. 2015 Oct 21:1-11. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 26488070.
- Photo courtesy of paulk https://www.flickr.com/photos/paulk/1241749044/
- Photo courtesy of hepe: www.flickr.com/photos/hepe/477187107/
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